It is with a very heavy heart that I've pirated my dad's email list from two of his forwards to notify those of you who are unaware of his passing that Sonny Gratzer passed away early Wednesday morning at his home. He was discovered by a construction worker who was repairing the flood damage to his house.

I apologize that I am unable to call each of you personally; I am deaf and don't use the phone. My ex-husband, Glenn, began calling some of you and started the call chain; however, I wanted to ensure that as many of my dad's friends or acquaintances are reached in a more personal way than by reading a newspaper obituary, and I fear that even this email is insufficient to avoid missing someone.

My dad's obituary will be published this week in both the Missoulian and the Butte Montana Standard. We are tentatively hoping to have a viewing on Wednesday evening and a full military funeral on Friday.

Please forgive me if you have received this email more than once, and please know that my dad was very thankful for his many beloved friends and family members.

Mail may be sent to Sonny's family at 106 Rolling Green Pl, Missoula, MT 59803. Many thanks for your kind thoughts.

It gives me great pain and sorrow to know that George M. "Sonny" Gratzer my friend and commander Daring Bravo Bandit 6 has passed away...mmmm......I just sent him a Xmas card. His leadership as my commander in Vietnam inspired me my total 25.6 years in the Army and I still remember when he was wounded in action in Feb 1968 during the TET Offensive after we "Bravo Co" fought the NVA 3 times that day....He was family awarded the Silver Star medal for his actions during his final battle on that day. May God bless his soul and my sympathty/condolences goes out to his family......NOLI ME TANGERE..

I just learned of Sonny's passing. My deepest condolences to his family. We served in the Army together in Germany and reconnected via the internet. I visited him in Missoula in July, 2011 and hoped to do so again this fall. I loved our visit. We discovered we both were involved in writing poetry, fiction, and songs. We exchanged books and sang many old songs - our own and others. Meeting again after all those years really enriched my life. He is greatly missed.

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